Maximizing LinkedIn for the Job Search

Presented by Robert Rhodes

Contributions from the Community Career Center, Naperville IL

(Updated 12/2012)

What is LinkedIn?

• LinkedIn is an interconnected network of professionals

• You can find, be introduced to, and collaborate with professionals

• Over 100 million professionals are on LinkedIn

What is LinkedIn?

• Professionals from every Fortune 500 company are represented on LinkedIn

• Half of members are outside the US• LinkedIn is in several languages

What can LinkedIn do for me?

• Increase visibility so you will be found• Find other professionals• Network • Research companies• Ask for assistance from connections

Connections

Networking - Everyone is connected. Six degrees of separation.

Connections

• Former co-workers and supervisors

• Friends/associates

• Connections of connections

• Virtual connections

Connecting with Connections‘ Connections

Where do you start?

• Build a detailed profile• Send invitations to fellow networkers• Join professional and alumni groups• Request recommendations

Your Profile

• Name and professional photo

• Summary statement loaded with key words for your profession

• All former positions and education

• Contact information, including phone number and e-mail

Maximizing Your Network

• LI was originally designed as a way to network with people you know

• Overtime, LinkedIn evolved to a network of trusted contacts and their contacts

• LinkedIn now accepts the concept of virtual contacts, in my opinion

• LinkedIn is divided into 1st level, 2nd level and 3nd level contacts

Maximizing Your Network

• 1st level contacts - Direct contacts• 2nd level contacts - Your direct contacts’

1st level contacts• 3nd level contacts - Direct contacts of

your 2nd level contacts

How to Maximize Your Network

Invitations• Customize invitations

Examples: • Met you at the job club• We belong to Greater Naperville LI group

• Do not send standard invitation• If you don’t want to connect, better

option is to press Ignore• Do not use the spam option

How to Maximize Your Network

Groups• Groups are important for exposure• Want to join numerous groups and

participate in these groups• Can join up to 50 different groups• Good way to meet contacts• Some groups have in-person meetings

How to Maximize Your Network

LIONs• Connect with a LION or LinkedIn Open

Networker • LIONs have over 500 contacts and are

usually willing to accept invitations• There is an option to disconnect without

their knowledge• LIONs increase your number of 2nd level

connections

How to Maximize Your Network

Introductions• Your direct contact can introduce you to

a 2nd level contact• Introductions are a way to be introduced

to a contact that could help you• Contact your connection via e-mail

before ask for an Introduction• If you want to use Introductions, you

must be willing to introduce others

How to Maximize Your Network

Recommendations• Recommendations are important for

your profile since they make it believable

• Need at least 3 recommendations for 100% LinkedIn rating

• Best recommendations are from former managers or co-workers

• Don’t ask someone you do not know to write you a recommendation

How to Maximize Your Network

Skills Endorsements• New feature on LinkedIn to endorse

specific skills

LinkedIn Resources

• Understanding, Leveraging and Maximizing LinkedIn by Neal Schaffer Book (For purchase on Amazon.com)

• Windmill Networking Bloghttp://windmillnetworking.com/blog/#axzz0iudyGBcl

• 10 Ways to use LinkedIn Bloghttp://blog.guykawasaki.com/2009/02/10-ways-to-use.html

Questions? Ask Bob About LinkedInSend me questions at rhodesone1@gmail.com